Asbestos or Supalux in fireplace?

[Elaine78]

Hi,

We are hoping to install a wood burner and have come across pieces of what we think is AIB in the fireplace.

We had a Baxi back boiler removed about 3 years ago and can only assume that the plumbers who took it out broke the board and left the remaining bits that were fixed to the fireplace. They never mentioned asbestos at the time.

We are slightly concerned that the broken bits of board could well have been releasing fibres into the room for the last three years without us knowing and there is often a draught down the chimney which could exasperate the issue. We have three young children, hence our heightened concern.

Regarding removing whatever it is, we have been quoted £900 if it does turn out to be AIB. This seems a lot for such a small job, but we do not want to compromise on safety. However, would it not be more risky to cut a piece off for sampling than it would to remove the whole piece in one?

It could of course be Supalux - is there a visual way of telling the difference? See photos. The old baxi fireplace/boiler was the old wooden type.

I am new here and would appreciate any advice from anyone with experience of the matter.

Thank you in advance,

Elaine

Untitled

• Elaine78
• 20 Dec 2013
• 2

Untitled

• Elaine78
• 20 Dec 2013
• 1

 

[Blagard]

The caution you are approaching this with is the right way to start. I cannot see clearly from the photo's what it is you are trying to remove except on one photo the remains of a white board which is pinned by a screw.

If you are concerned about removing a white building board that looks like modern asbestos free supalux but could be asbestos cement then it may not be as bad as you fear.

If you can remove any fixings that will allow the board to be removed then it is usually OK to carefully do that. The board should then be double wrapped in thick polythene ready for disposal. My own local authority domestic waste tip (recycling centre!) will accept sheet material that may contain asbestos (free of charge) if it is so wrapped. The polythene used for damp proof membranes (not vapour barriers) will usually be thick enough

What you should not do is cut or break the board as this is what would release possible asbestos fibres. Unfortunately other than testing there is no sure way to confirm it does not contain asbestos. If other than mechanically fixed sheet, you need a specialist.

During the removal process you should wear a proper filtered mask as a precaution against disturbed fibres. A cheap dust mask would not be suitable. You want one that fully seals against your face and takes air into the mask through the filters and no where else.

Please see http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/a14.pdf as this will help you understand the obligation employers have doing similar and provides further advice on the process.

Edit: For what it is worth an Asbestos free Supalux may have mica in it that has a bit of sparkle, but being old and dusty you may not be able to tell!

 

[Elaine78]

Thank you so much for this really factful posting Blagard.

It really has provided me with a plan of action and we have decided to remove the piece of board ourselves by removing the screw, hoping ot will just come away in one piece and has not but stuck in place by plaster since it was originally put in place.

We're then going to get it tested in order to see whether we can remove the piece of board the other side (which is hard to see as it's stuck between 2 bricks and would take some rough handling to remove it.

So here's hoping it's Superlux! I've had a look at the board and it does seem to have a bit of a sheen to its grey surface. The inside has no sheen, has fibrous bits sticking out and is an off white colour.

Is it possible it is asbestos cement board which is less dangerous than insulation board I understand?

Thanks again.

 

[Blagard]

I think the idea of trying to remove the small piece with a screw fixing is reasonable but please make sure you buy a right mask before doing so - it is a confined area so needs great care. Have the wrapping handy to enclose it as soon as it is released. If it is not freed by just removing the screw then I would leave it for a specialist.

You are correct that the Insulation board is more dangerous than the cement product because is contains a higher proportion of asbestos fibres, is softer and more friable.

As for the other side that is by the sound of not so easily accessed. Leave it alone until you have test results back.

Please be aware that old Superlux was also an asbestos product. So if the name was printed on it, it does not mean it is safe.

It is only because the piece is so small that I think it is reasonable to remove it yourself. The link is below is similar to the first one I posted but relates to less than 1m2 of insulation board
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/a4.pdf

 

[Elaine78]

We've decided to put it on hold whilst we reconsider what we're going to do. We're thinking, as the likelyhood is that it is asbestos, we may just block the chimney up altogether and leave it well alone. The whole thing is now freaking me out and I'm worried that releasing only a few fibres from removing the sample as carefully as possible could be detremental to the health of my family!! Also, after Xmas we can no longer afford the woodburner which questions now why we would remove it at all. I'll post again once we decide what to do. Thanks for your assistance thus far. I have read the documents you referred to which will be very useful should we decide to proceed. Any asbestos in 1960's plaster render and window linings by the way?? Where putting blinds up in my eldest's bedroom which was extended late 60's. Thanks again!

 

[Blagard]

<Snipped> Any asbestos in 1960's plaster render and window linings by the way?? Where putting blinds up in my eldest's bedroom which was extended late 60's. Thanks again!

Not in plastering products to my knowledge except for Artex decorative coatings that were once popular on ceilings and occasionally walls to produce textures effects. - I think it very unlikely that you would have Asbestos in and around a window opening to a house. The nearest risk in my mind would be asbestos cement sheet used as soffit boards externally.

It is no small thing to maintain awareness - I have during my professional career attended a few courses in asbestos awareness and it is easy to lose that years later. Your post has at least reminded me and raised my own awareness and possibly that of a few others that post here.

Thank you.

For others the video link is a sober reminder of the risk
http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/videos/mesothelioma-video.htm